Garage construction



Feb. 1, 1966 F. MLYNEK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 26, 1962 Fro nz Mlynek INVENTOR.

(Karl. was

AGENT.

Feb. 1, 1966 F. MLYNEK 3,232,016

GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed March 26, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fro nz Mlynek INVENTOR.

J. J. J BY (Karl Toss A G E N T.

Feb. 1, 1966 F. ML EK 3,232,016

GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed March 26, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 mm mm 1| H mm H IIIHYIHIHI u I u WW mg \\\\\\\X F m nz M lyn ek INVENTOR.

BY jar]. jams A G E N T.

Feb. 1, 1966 F. MLYNEK 3,232,016

GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed March 26, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG.6

Fro nz Mlyne k INVENTOR Karl jam; FIG-7 AGENT.

United States Patent M 3,232,016 GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Franz Mlynek, Kleiststrasse 2, Essen, Germany Filed Mar 26, 1962, Ser. No. 182,462 Claims priority, application Germany Mar. 25, 1961, M 48,517 8 Claims. (Cl. 52-175) My present invention relates to an improved garage construction and has as its principal object the provision of a garage structure adapted to facilitate the parking of motor vehicles in a garage and their subsequent removal therefrom.

Many types of garage constructions have been proposed heretofore 'in attempts to solve the problems of urban parking and temporary storage of motor vehicles. Such proposed structures included multilevel garages above or below grade level provided with means for moving the vehicles to the several levels. Thus, multilevel garages have been provided with elevators or with a helicoidal or spiral ramp. The latter was usually formed with parallel incoming and exiting lanes and parking spaces or slots alongside the lanes. Garages operating with elevators generally operated at an extremely slow rate While parking in ramp garages of the type mentioned was often fraught with danger owing to the necessity of traveling during exiting in the direction opposite that of the incoming traffic in an adjacent lane. Garages of the latter type also required a U-turn to switch lanes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved parking garage adapted to obviate the aforementioned disadvantages of hitherto-existing system,

The foregoing objects have been realized, in accordance with the instant invention, by the provision of a parking garage form-ed with an incoming ramp and an exiting ramp, both of which are of generally helicoidal or spiral shape with vertical axes, approaching each other at axially spaced location. The two ramps are bridged at these 10- cations to permit a vehicle traveling on the incoming ramp to transfer at one of the bridge locations to the exiting ramp. Advantageously, the incoming ramp has a pitch (i.e. distance between successive complete turns) greater than that of the exiting ramp which thus is somewhat steeper but is of a larger diameter so that an exiting vehicle may travel more rapidly than an entering vehicle. This arrangement of incoming and exiting ramps is particularly applicable to above-ground installations wherein the vehicles enter upon the smaller-diameter incoming ramp and climb thereon at a relatively slow speed until a parking space or slot therealong is found. The vehicle, upon its withdrawal from its parking slot, then proceeds along the incoming ramp in its original direction of travel (i.e. upwardly until the next bridge location is reached whereupon its crosses to the exiting ramp and descends at a somewhat greater speed in view of the larger diameter of the exiting ramp whose turns are, consequently, more sweeping. The pitch of the exiting ramp is, as previously mentioned, greater than that of the incoming ramp so that the vehicle descends rapidly to the street level. It should be noted, however, that the aforedescribed con struction is also applicable to garages below ground level in which case the larger diameter ramp may be constructed at the incoming and parking ramp since a motor vehicle .is more readily controlled upon its descent of a slope if any turns encountered are relatively sweeping, while the smaller-diameter ramp may serve as the exiting ramp.

According to another feature of the present invention, the exiting ramp is formed coaxially with the incoming ramp outwardly thereof whereby the two ramps are bridged at spaced locations along the outer edge of the 3,232,016 Patented Feb. 1, 1966 inner or incoming ramp and the inner edge of the exiting ramp. It should be noted that the expressions helicoidal and spiral are here used in their broadest sense and refer to the surface generated by a line extending generally transversely to a helix and displaced therealong. The ramp surface thus generated may also be considered at that generated by a line extending transversely to a closed surface surrounding a vertical axis while being axially displaced. The ramp surface will then have a generally circular configuration When viewed axially if the determining helix is circular or if the closed surface is a right-circular cylinder and an elliptical or oval configuration if the cylinder is a cylindroid or of oval crosssection. A spiral ramp surface is generated when the closed surface is that of a cone. In the instant application, therefore, the expression substantially helicoidal" is intended to include all of these configurations.

According to yet another feature of my invention, a garage provided with an outer helicoidal exit ramp and an inner helicoidal entrance ramp surrounded thereby and coaxial therewith, may also include a further helicoidal entrance ramp whose vertical axis is spaced from that of the first-mentioned ramps but which osculates or approaches the exit ramp at axially spaced locations whereat the further and exit ramps may be bridged so that a single exit ramp serves a plurality of entrance ramps. In this connection it may be noted that more than one entrance ramp may be provided coaxially with and surrounded by an exit ramp. In the latter case, the entrance ramps, which may conveniently be of identical diameter and pitch, are offset angularly about their axis (i.e. are out of phase) in the manner of the threads of a multithread screw so that there is no interference between the two or more entrance ramps.

The outer or exit ramp, which forms the descendingtraific lane, is advantageously generated in a sense opposite to that of the ascending entrance ramp when the two are coaxial as previously noted. In this case, there is no need for a vehicle to change direction as it proceeds from the entrance ramp to the exit ramp. When the two ramps are centered upon respective spaced axes and osculate or approach each other at the bridge locations, it is desirable to construct them so that they also are directed in the same sense (e.g. with the entrance ramp turning clockwise in the ascending direction and the exit ramp turning counterclockwise in the descending direction). Thus it is possible to arrange the ramps in a manner such that a vehicle climbing the entrance ramp while traveling clockwise can cross at one of the bridge locations and proceed downwardly on the exit ramp by continuing clockwise. Advantageously, the pitch of the exit ramp is about twice that of the entrance ramps.

As previously noted, the axes of the exit and entrance ramps may be offset so that the ramps are approximately tangent to one another. In this manner it is possible to provide a plurality of entrance ramps whose axes are angularly spaced about the axis of the exit ramp which is then centrally disposed, the entrance ramps being connected to the exit ramp by bridges extending generally radially at convenient locations along the exit ramp. This construction permits the use of many entrance ramps, the number of which depends, of course, upon the parking load, with a single exit ramp along which the vehicles travel at accelerated speed. The distribution of the bridge locations along the exit ramp will also be determined by the number of vehicles leaving each of the entrance ramps.

Garage constructions according to the invention, in addition to obviating the need for adjacent lanes of oppositely directed travel and U-turns upon transferring from entrance to exit ramps, have considerable static strength since they may be produced from reinforced and, preferably, prestressed concrete with the reinforcing rods and/ or tensioning cables extending through both ramps at least at the bridge locations. Moreover, the use of an exit ramp of greater pitch than the entrance ramp or ramps result in a reduction of the amount of building material required as a consequence of the fewer number of turns of the exit ramp and, in addition, in a less steep exit incline. The larger diameter of the exit ramp permits the vehicles to descend with a larger turning radius and thus facilitates exiting travel.

According to a further feature of the invention, each or some of the ramps surround centrally disposed means, such as elevators, escalators, stairs or the like, permitting the garage personnel or the vehicle operators to return to grade level after parking a vehicle and subsequently to reach the appropriate parking space for removing it.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the instant invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating the ramp arrangement of a garage according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the ramp arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of another ramp arrangement;

FIG. 4 is another view similar to FIG. 1 of yet a further ramp construction;

FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of a detail of the ramps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a ramp portion similar to that shown in FIG. 5 but illustrating another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a detail view similar to FIG. 6 of the construction illustrated in FIG. 3.

In the drawing I show several embodiments of garages, according to the invention, which for convenience are illustrated as rising from grade level. It will be noted, however, that all of these embodiments may, if desired, be constructed below grade level with a descending entrance ramp and an ascending exit ramp as mentioned previously.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a garage construction comprising an entrance ramp 1 ascending from grade level helicoidally in counterclockwise sense and formed with an inner row 2a and an outer row 2b of parking spaces or slots. The latter define between them a lane 11 for incoming trafiic, the parking slots extending generally radially or transversely to the lane in the usual manner for purposes of economy in space. Coaxially surrounding the entrance ramp 1 is an exit ramp 3 descending in counterclockwise sense and approaching the entrance ramp 1 at axially spaced locations whereat bridges 4 permit traffic on the entrance ramp to cross over onto the descending ramp. An elevator or a staircase is provided at the center shaft 5 of the ramps.

A motor vehicle ascending in the direction of arrow 7 on the entrance ramp 1 from grade level is driven into the nearest parking space 2a, 2b from whence the operator returns to grade level by means of the centrally disposed elevator or staircase in shaft 5. When desiring to remove the vehicle, the operator returns to the parking place, withdraws his vehicle from it in the direction of arrows 9 and continues to ascend the ramp 1 in the direction of arrows 7 (i.e. counterclockwise) until the nearest bridge 4 is reached, whereupon the vehicle crosses in the direction of arrow 12 and continues in the same sense (arrow 8) downwardly along the exit ramp 3. In FIG. 5 I show one of the bridge locations 4 of the ramps 1 and 3. The ramps 1 and 3 are reinforced by beams 13, 14 extending parallel to the generatrices of the ramps. The beams 13a, 14a at the location of bridge 4 are contiguous and are provided with a common reinforcing or tensioning element 15. The beams are carried by the usual posts 16, only some of which are shown. A horizontal plate 17 bridges the ramps and is sufficiently wide to permit passage of a vehicle without canting. The shaft 5 is provided with an elevator 18 of a conventional type which may be entered through an opening 19 in the wall of the shaft. The elevator is shown to be provided with a plurality of angularly spaced doors 20 which register with similar openings at axially spaced locations along the shaft.

In FIG. 6 the exit ramp 3' and entrance ramp 1', which are bridged by the plate 17', surround a spiral staircase 6 enabling the garage attendants or the operators of the motor vehicles to park them in the parking spaces 2a or 2b as previously described.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the exit ramp 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2 also serves to remove vehicles from a plurality of other entrance ramps 1 (one of which is shown in detail) helicoidally winding about their respective axes in a sense opposite to that of their common exit ramp 3. The entrance ramps 1 and 1" are shown with their parking slots 2a and 2b extending tangentially in the direction of vehicle travel to helices centered on their respective axes to facilitate parking of the vehicles. The ramps 1", whose axes are angularly spaced about the periphery of ramp 3, osculate or approach the latter and are bridged therewith at 4" so that a vehicle climbing a ramp 1" in clockwise direction (arrow 7") after departing from a parking slot may cross over to the exit ramp 3 at a proximal bridge 4" (arrow 12) and continue downwardly along ramp 3 (arrow 8) without reversal of direction. The bridges 4, 4" are angularly spaced about the axis of ramp 3 to prevent congestion. The bridges may be formed by plates 17" (FIG. 7) and the shafts 5" of the peripherally spaced entrance ramps 1" may include an elevator, a staircase or the like as previously described.

In FIG. 4 I show a garage construction wherein the entrance ramp 21 and the exit ramp 23 are helicoidal and have oval axial projections. These ramp surfaces may be generated by a line rotated about a cylindrical surface of oval cross-section While maintaining it transverse to the surface and axially displacing it, preferably with uniform motion. The entrance ramp 21 is formed with rows of parking slot 22a, 22b extending generally transversely to the direction of vehicle travel (arrow 27) while bridges 24 interconnect the ramps at axially offset locations therealong. An escalator system 26, well known per se, is provided in the central shaft of the garage. As previously described, an operator of a vehicle parked in one of the slots 22a, 22b, reaches it via the escalator 26 and backs out therefrom in the direction of arrows 29. He then proceeds in the direction of arrow 27 to ascend to the nearest cross-over point 24 whereupon he transfers to the exit ramp 23 and continues in the direction of arrow 28, thereby descending to grade level.

The invention described and illustrated is deemed to admit of many modifications, substitutions and variations which will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art; all such modifications, variations and substitutions are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a garage structure, in combination, an entrance ramp extending generally helicoidally about a vertical axis, an exit ramp extending generally helicoidally coaxially with said entrance ramp outwardly thereof along its outer periphery and approaching said entrance ramp at axially spaced locations, said ramps being directed in opposite senses, cross-over means at said locations bridging said ramps whereby a vehicle traveling in one sense upon said entrance ramp may transfer to said exit ramp at one of said locations and travel therealong in the same sense, said exit ramp having a pitch substantially twice that of said entrance ramp while being rigid therewith at said locations, said entrance ramp surrounding a central vertical shaft, said ramps extending generally helicoidally from grade level, said entrance ramp being formed with parking spaces for motor vehicles and having a width substantially in excess of said exit ramp, and

means in said shaft for permitting the operators of said vehicles to return to grade level upon parking them in said spaces.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said means in said shaft comprises an elevator.

3. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said means in said shaft comprises an escalator.

4. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said means in said shaft comprises a staircase.

5. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said parking spaces are formed in at least two laterally spacedapart rows extending along said entrance ramp and defining therebetween a lane for incoming vehicles.

6. The combination according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of other entrance ramps provided with parking spaces and extending generally helicoidally about a vertical axis spaced from the first-mentioned axis and osculating said exit ramp at axially spaced cross-over locations, said other entrance ramps being angularly spaced about the outer periphery of said exit ramp.

7. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said ramps have generally circular axial projections.

8. The combination according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said ramps has an elongated axial projection.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,834,297 12/ 1931 Vojacek 20-1.13 2,565,243 8/1951 Laubscher 201.13 2,961,718 11/1960 Berz et al. 20-1.13

FOREIGN PATENTS 616,565 10/ 1926 France.

659,261 2/ 1929 France.

534,240 9/ 1931 Germany.

466,102 5/1937 Great Britain.

810,981 3 1959 Great Britain.

820,559 9/ 1959 Great Britain.

845,763 8/ 1960 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM I. MUSHAKE, JACOB L. NACKENOFF,

Examiners. 

1. IN A GARAGE STRUCTURE, IN COMBINATION, AN ENTRANCE RAMP EXTENDING GENERALLY HELICOIDALLY ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS, AN EXIT RAMP EXTENDING GENERALLY HELICOIDALLY COAXIALLY WITH SAID ENTRANCE RAMP OUTWARDLY THEROF ALONG ITS OUTER PERIPHERY AND APPROACHING SAID ENTRANCE RAMP AT AXIALLY SPACED LOCATIONS, SAID RAMPS BEING DIRECTED IN OPPOSITE SENSES, CROSS-OVER MEANS AT SAID LOCATIONS BRIDGING SAID RAMPS WHEREBY A VEHICLE TRAVELING IN ONE SENSE UPON SAID ENTRANCE RAMP MAY TRANSFER TO SAID EXIT RAMP AT ONE OF SAID LOCATIONS AND TRAVEL THEREALONG IN THE SAME SENSE, SAID EXIT RAMP HAVING A PITCH SUBSTANTIALLY TWICE THAT OF SAID ENTRANCE RAMP WHILE BEING RIGID THEREWITH AT SAID LOCATIONS, SAID ENTRANCE RAMP SURROUNDING A CENTRAL VERTICAL SHAFT, SAID RAMPS EXTENDING GENERALLY HELICOIDALLY FROM GRADE LEVEL, SAID ENTRANCE RAMP BEING FORMED WITH PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND HAVING A WIDTH SUBSTANTIALLY IN EXCESS OF SAID EXIT RAMP, AND MEANS IN SAID SHAFT FOR PERMITTING THE OPERATORS OF SAID VEHICLES TO RETURN TO GRADE LEVEL UPON PARKING THEM IN SAID SPACES. 